This month, 34 leaders from Tennessee’s private colleges and universities gathered for the Tennessee Independent Colleges and Universities Association’s Advancing Leaders, an intensive workshop to develop and prepare future senior campus leaders for success in an ever-changing higher education environment.
“Strong, effective campus leaders help ensure that our colleges are serving students well, so TICUA created this program to provide advancing campus leaders an opportunity to gain the skills and knowledge they need to be successful now and in the future,” said TICUA President Dr. Claude Pressnell. “Because TICUA institution presidents select officials from their campuses to participate in the Advancing Leaders program, Tennessee’s private colleges and universities are leading the way to develop higher education leaders who will carry the mantle of postsecondary choice and student success forward.”
The Advancing Leaders workshop provides aspiring leaders who have three to five years of work experience with an opportunity to evaluate their own skills, gifts and calling against the primary leadership needs of private higher education in Tennessee.
Since launching in 2015, around 200 people have participated in the annual leadership training.
“I often make plans or develop strategies based on what I think the institution I serve can or can’t do, but the Advancing Leaders program helped me see beyond that horizon and get excited about the new destination of possibilities,” said Eric Ballah, Director of Development at Maryville College. “I also gained a greater appreciation for TICUA for intentionally investing in individuals, as well as private higher education in Tennessee.”
“The Advancing Leaders program helped expand my overall knowledge of the higher education landscape and supported my understanding of the qualities and skills essential for effective campus leadership teams,” said Cheryl Slay Carr, Associate Dean and Associate Professor at Belmont University’s Curb College of Entertainment & Music Business. “After completing the program, I feel I have a clearer vision for how to leverage my strengths and experiences to serve my campus and students.”
Presidents of TICUA member campuses select Advancing Leaders to participate in the two-day intensive workshop, which happens over the summer each year. Developed in partnership with experts at higher education consulting firm Credo, the workshop provides next-generation leaders with the opportunity to better understand:
State and national policy context for private higher education, campus partnerships, drivers for institutional health, challenges for higher-education leaders and steps to prepare for a leadership role.
At the conclusion of each workshop, participants build a personalized roadmap to apply what they have learned to their role and institution and prepare for an expanded leadership role.
2019 Advancing Leaders participants at Cumberland University:
Residence Life & Student Engagement
Samantha Alperin, Christian Brothers University Director, UG/G Education Program
Scott Geis, Christian Brothers University Dean, Rosa Deal School of Arts
Abby Pitts, Cumberland University Director, Retention & TN Promise Support
Megan Climer, Cumberland University Marketing Coordinator
Natara Garvin, Fisk University Assist. VP & Dean, Student Engagement
Josh Barber, Freed-Hardeman University Assc. Director, International Education
Margaret Payne, Freed-Hardeman University Professor, English
Ryan Cate, Johnson University Admissions Counselor
Lettie Jackson, King University Assc. VP, Finance
Jennifer Mongold, King University Assc. Professor
Bruce Cole, LeMoyne-Owen College Director, Member Services
Dave Bruno, Lipscomb University VP, Marketing
Prentice Ashford, Lipscomb University Dean, Community Life
Edna Luna Martin, Methodist College VP, External Affairs
Mark Shoop, Tennessee Wesleyan University Professor, Biology
Jenni Lloyd, Trevecca Nazarene University Director, Student Success & Advising
Lori Anderson, Tusculum University Assist. VP, IPE & Dean, Nursing
Mary Cooper, Tusculum University Director, Honors Program
Laralee Harkleroad, Tusculum University Director, Marketing
Renee Dauer, Union University Campus Director, UU-Hendersonville
Gregory Bohnerg, Union University.
Director, Disability Services.
